Teams from the network operator have restored a further 4,000 homes overnight, taking the total restored since yesterday to 16,000. Around 500 properties are currently without power.

Despite the difficult conditions, engineers battled the elements to restore most properties affected within a few hours of them losing power.

A number of faults are still spread throughout the region, with the majority in Cumbria. Kirkby Stephen, which had 681 properties without power last night is down to 58, and Holmrook, near Millom, currently has 140 properties without power.

Electricity North West operations director, Mark Williamson, said: “It’s been a very busy night for our teams across the region and the weather is still bad, particularly in more rural areas.

“We were well prepared following the Met Office weather warning issued yesterday with additional engineers on standby and additional contact centre staff called in to help keep customers up to date with our progress.

“We’ll be able to do more as the light and weather improves throughout today, and we have teams available as soon as it is safe to make repairs on each fault. I’d like to thank our customers for their patience and our engineers for their hard work as we continue to make progress.

“We are here 24 hours day seven days a week so please contact us if you need any advice or information.”

If you see power lines down please stay away and report it to Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141, or by calling the new national power cut number, 105.

Vulnerable customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/priority or contacting Electricity North West.

Follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk for updates.

Power cut advice and tips:
• Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting
• Leave a light on so you know when power is restored
• Take care using candles
• Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off
• If you need any advice ring us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or 105

For more information about flood alerts click here and to keep up-to-date with the weather in your area visit the Met Office.